Ratchet and Socket set

Husky brand from Lowe's isn't bad.

How often do you use the tools? If it is something that just is needed for a few tasks, it might be that Harbor Freight might be OK. However, if it is something that is used constantly, I'd probably go the Home Depot or Lowe's house brands if Craftsman is too pricy.

For the last 10 years or so, I've been purchasing my hand tools from Lowe's. Socket and Socket Wrenches seem to hold up pretty good. They have a wide variety of starter sets, and individual pieces for just about anything. I've never broken any of them yet. I'm not a mechanic and the most I do is change the oil on my lawn mower. But I have done my share of interior remodeling and such on a few houses now. So I have no complaints about any of the "big box" hardware/home improvement stores and their tools. Now, if you were a semi-truck mechanic for a living, you'd probably never even consider "big box" store's tool.

If you use them a lot and really need to trust them buy craftsman. I got a very nice set at Costco last year and my costco still has them.

Go to Sears around Thanksgiving and stock up, that's when they have their lowest prices.

Husky at HD or Kobalt from Lowe's
Well made with a lifetime guarantee on either brand.

It depends on what you use them for. I only bought Craftsman sockets when I was working. Now I don't, but I also don't buy HF sockets/hand wrenches unless they are 6 point. Cheap 12 point sockets and hand wrenches are a real waste of money, time, and knuckles. The HF sockets will be thick wall and not great quality. It really all depends on what you plan on using them for.

Thats_Ok wrote:
Husky at HD or Kobalt from Lowe's
Well made with a lifetime guarantee on either brand.

I have all Craftsman but am real concerned if Sears can continue to remain in business for the long haul. Exchange on damage is not as easy as it used to be. They appear to be on a real slide in my area. I'm planning on going to Lowes next time I need something or Harbor Freight if its only a once or twice in 10 year type use. Randu

I work at Lowe's part time, and I have to say that the Kobalt stuff isn't bad at all. I have many Craftsman tools that are 20 to 30 years old, and there quality is much better than anything Craftsman is putting out now. The Kobalt is also better quality than the standard Craftsman stuff, and it also has a lifetime warranty. Finish and tolarences on the Kobalt stuff is better also.
If I could go back 20 or so years I'd buy Craftsman or SK Wayne. Stuff from that era was really good.
Just check your local store, they've always got stuff on sale.
Grumpy

mlts22 wrote:
Husky brand from Lowe's isn't bad.

How often do you use the tools? If it is something that just is needed for a few tasks, it might be that Harbor Freight might be OK. However, if it is something that is used constantly, I'd probably go the Home Depot or Lowe's house brands if Craftsman is too pricy.

I've had American made Husky tools for years but since HD started selling them they're chinese. I bought the last USA Husky set a few years ago. I have a problem with the concept of buying chinese if you only use them occasionally. What if the one time you really need a socket for hard use, the cheapie breaks? How much would a good quality wrench be worth while broke down along a road with a split chinese socket? ...... IMO..

You actually think Craftsman is the good stuff?

I make my living with tools and when I'm on a job they simply can not fail. Craftsman tools are a handyman/homeowner grade, with a guarantee that if it breaks bring it back and we'll give you a new one. When you're 50 miles out on a job the last thing you need is a broken tool.